If I do repeat some advice already offered, apologies for that.
In terms of buying a new property (please note, some of my comments are based on how the law works where I live and some of these only applies to "own title" properties):
As a general rule, all fixtures (this includes anything from a light fitting, aerials, satellite dishes, brackets inside or outside of the house - or simply put, anything permanently attached to a wall, ceiling or floor) are supposed to remain. Unless, the seller specifically stipulates in the contract which items are not part of the sale. This must then be removed and properly covered (where applicable).
This may sound strange, but flush each toilet and make sure it works properly and that there are no leaks (to get a plumber out afterwards can cost a small fortune). Check all the taps and make sure they are working (open and close properly).
The warm water cylinder (geyser) is a "touch and go". I've bought a house with one working perfectly, only to give in less than a year later. Depending on what went wrong, your insurance can cover the replacement cost of a new one (where I stay, this is normally covered as part of your building insurance, which is required by the bank if you take out a bond on the property).
If you buy a property in a "complex" (particularly a town house), then you must confirm whether the property is "own title" or "sectional title". With the latter, you are not responsible for the maintenance of the outside of the property, since it is considered "communal property".
However, in any "complex" levies are normally charged to cover the expenditure for the upkeep of the communal property as well as for other maintenance.
Make sure you find out what the levies are, since you could be buying a "bargain" only to find yourself drowning in monthly levies (some levies includes municipal costs, like water and electricity, others do not). A quick look at the last audited financial statements/management accounts (not something that the Body Corporate put together for you) will give you an idea of the financial state of the complex.
Check for obvious signs of roof leakage as well as for damp on the walls (the latter is usually "hidden" behind a curtain or piece of furniture and this is normally on the side of the house that gets the most rain). Freshly painted areas normally provides a clue that something was covered up.
Where I live, a beetle (for the roof trusses) and electrical certificate is required before transfer of the property can take place.
Also watch out for unpaid municipality/council bills or outstanding levies (if applicable).
Although the attorneys are supposed to obtain the above clearance certificates, make sure you have received those.
Also note that it is normally the seller who chooses the attorneys that will handle the transfer of the property, not the buyer. However, you can ask if you can use your attorneys.
I think this is obvious, but if you take occupancy of the property before transfer has taken place, then you are liable to pay occupancy rent. This is normally stipulated in the contract as well, but just make sure that the amount stipulated is a reasonable amount.
Up to the point that the transfer of the property is registered at the deeds office, the seller remains responsible for all bills & expenses related to that property.
Technically speaking, if the seller sold you the property in a certain condition, then the seller remains responsible to maintain that property so that, when transfer has taken place, the property is in the same state (condition) it was when you signed the contract (think of the garden for example). Just make sure that is stipulated in the contract.
Depending on your budget, try and have the house painted out (on the inside) and either have the carpets replaced or cleaned before you move in. It's much easier to paint and replace/clean carpets in an empty house than a house filled with furniture.
EDIT: If the house comes with an alarm system, find out if it is a rented or an owned system. If it is a rented system and you do not wish to take over the contract, then the alarm company has the right to remove the alarm system. Some sellers fail to mention this, only with you having to fight with the alarm company.